Monday Motivation: 4 Ways to Cut Dead Weight from your Day

There just aren’t enough hours in the day – or enough energy in our bodies – to do everything. I think we’ve all figured that out.

But the trouble is we have a hard time choosing what things get the time and the energy. Sometimes we get to the end of the day and we know we spent all our time and energy, but we can’t even say what we spent it on. I think of this as dead weight. I want to be more intentional about my life, so I don’t get to the end of the days and wish I’d spent them differently. So as I look at what I do with my time and energy, I want to cut the dead weight, or at least cut it back. Here are my thoughts on how to get that done.

(I talked about this not long ago.) Decide what parts of what you do matter the most. With this in mind, you might be able to eliminate some dead weight right off the bat.

2. Invest time and energy.

Just like money, time and energy can be invested into something that gives back, or squandered. If a little fifteen minute task can save you hours, do it! If taking a half-hour to exercise boosts your mood and your energy level, do it! Take the time to fuel your body with food and rest, and pay attention to cues that you need to slow down, so sickness doesn’t knock you flat.

3. Take a second look at the “have-to’s”

Everyone has some of these on their list: the things that drain our time and energy, but we “have to” do them. Often we can’t even say why we “have to”, but somehow we do. Some of these might be vestiges of our upbringing or unrealistic expectations we place on ourselves. Do you really “have to” wash the walls in your spare room today? Maybe not.

4. Schedule your time.

Having a rough outline of your day and setting limits on fun time-wasters can help. I don’t mean controlling every increment of time, but having a budget of time and energy keeps you on track. Be sure to add in some time and energy for those unexpected moments when a friend needs a hand or an impromptu cup of tea.

Hopefully these thoughts will help you cut the dead weight out of your life. Please feel free to share any of your own ideas. 🙂

Very good ideas! I found two time-wasters right off the back that fell in the category of “Have-To’s.” I’m putting them into proper perspective to do at a more appropriate time. Thank you. This is just what I needed to take some things off of my place.